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Packing Healthy Lunches

It's that time of year again! With constant talk about the quality of school lunches, it's comforting when you know you can send your child and YOU off for the day with a healthy lunch. Here are some quick and healthy lunch ideas and some must have items that can take the stress out of packing that last minute lunch.

Must Have's

• Fruit
• Trail mixes
• Raw vegetables (cut)
• Dried fruit
• Applesauce
• Sandwich bread
• Yogurt
• Tortillas
• Peanut butter
• String cheese
• Granola
• Whole grain crackers
• Pretzels
• Air popped popcorn
• Small container for dips
• Lean sandwich meats
• Small thermos
• Hard boiled eggs
• *Creativity- don't be afraid to use leftovers

Lunch Ideas

• Grilled chicken strips with homemade honey mustard dip, raw cucumber and carrots and fresh or dried fruit
• Bean burrito or bean dip (mix refried beans with salsa) with whole grain tortilla chips. Add guacamole or avocado when possible.
• Smoothies- blend your child's favorite fruit with low fat milk or yogurt. Add nut butters for a healthy higher calorie lunch.
• Quesadillas- melted cheese in a whole wheat tortilla- add veggies inside or on the side
• Cold pasta salad- use left over veggies and meat or eggs. Mix together with pasta, mustard, and lite mayo
• Hummus and pita bread or pita chips. Add cucumber, carrots and olives
• Baked beans- heat in the morning and put in a small thermos. Add ham for extra protein